Customer Reviews

Panasonic BB-HCM331A Outdoor Network Camera w/audio

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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I installed this camera on the windowsill of our unheated-in-winter (unless we're there) cabin in the mountains in Colorado - looking out at the view there. These Panasonic IP cameras can be pricey, but the higher the price - the more bells and whistles you get (this one, for example, can take the cold). Installation is a breeze - little to no knowledge of networking is required (though it's helpful in order to understand what's going-on) - and the seamless set-up of free web monitoring through the included DNS service is a huge plus. The picture and video is pretty darn good, considering it's just a 300K pixel camera (as are most in this and lower price ranges), and the motion sensor really will e-mail you a photo when something triggers it (if you've set it up to do so). I've got two more less-elegant Panasonic cams in my home for watching the cats (and any "visitors") when we're away, and they've operated for months in trouble-free fashion. If you've got a wealth of networking knowledge and a skinny wallet you can buy the less-costly, brand-X, IP cameras, set-up your own, free, Dynamic DNS account, open the ports on your router, copy the IP addresses from one place to another, and piece-meal it all together - or you can spend a little more and let the Panasonic camera and the included software do it all for you.

I've had my camera mounted on my front porch 2 years ago. It has worked reliably 24/7. There's nothing cooler than a Fedex/UPS delivery person that needs to delivery a package that requires a signature; and, being able to have a regular "speaker-phone" + video conversation with the that person telling him signature isnt necessary and giving him a verbal authorization; putting the package in a safe place. 99.9% of the time the person talking to me presumes I'm at home. I can do this from any regular web browser with an Internet connection. The only thing I needed to buy extra for this camera was a self-powered speaker.

I am most impressed by the build quality. Rain, wind, etc... it doesnt matter.. it keeps it's place; without any issues.

You get what you pay for with this device; however, it only makes sense to get the features you need. One day in the future, I hope to have a Panasonic camera that does everything this can; but also offer HD video quality and 10x optical zoom (or more).

Have had 3 of these (and a wireless one, and 3 indoor others from Panasonic). The 3 outdoors ones have been up and running for 3+ years, without problem! Impressive uptime considering they are fully exposed to the elements. No shielding other than what comes with it. Love these things.